Fishing Lipless Crankbaits in the Mid Fall

The mid fall transition period can be a tricky time to figure out patterns, but lipless crankbaits are one versatile lure that should not be overlooked this time of year.

Here are several tips to help you get more success fishing lipless crankbaits in the mid fall:

1. Fish Slow - The metabolism of bass starts to slow down as the water cools in the fall. Make long casts over cover strewn flats and start with a medium to slow, steady retrieve to keep your lure in the strike zone longer. Take your time and be patient.

2. Target Shallow Cover - Target shallow water areas in the 1-4 foot range that have wood cover, rocks, or vegetation. Bass will still be shallow in the fall and a lipless crankbait deflecting off cover triggers reaction strikes.

3. Vary Your Retrieve - Mix up slow rolling, stopping and starting, and occasional twitches and pauses. A yo-yo retrieve can be very effective in the fall since it help triggers reaction bites from inactive bass.

4. Downsize Your Offering - As the water cools, bass are less likely to chase larger baits. Scale down the size of your lipless crankbait to 3/8 or 1/2 ounce models in natural shad or crawfish colors. 

5. Fish Grass Edges - Look for the edges of grass lines and vegetation that is starting to recede. Bass will hold on these transitional zones and a lipless crankbait is perfect for targeting these strike zones.

Take a few minutes and watch as the folks from W2F provide their thoughts and tips while on the water pursuing mid fall bass using lipless crankbaits...